ADNH head office adopts no-smoking policy

ADNH Compass will foot the medical bills of any staff member wanting to quit the habit for the first four weeks of treatment. And as an added incentive to help employees resist the lure of tobacco, the company has made its head office building a no smoking zone, in line with government recommendations to increase no smoking office areas in the UAE capital.

The ADNH Compass and Sunshine Tours head offices in Abu Dhabi were refurbished in September at a cost of AED3.5 million, and the renovation included a smoking room to reduce discomfort to non-smokers and slash passive smoking levels.

"We value our staff's health and welfare, and this campaign is a worthy effort to encourage ADNH Compass employees to make a positive lifestyle change," said Mike Moore, Manager Director of ADNH Compass. "Quitting the habit also shows consideration to non-smokers and is a good example to others. It's not easy, but ADNH Compass is more than willing to do what it can to help through this initiative."

The likely treatment for smokers, to be covered by ADNH Compass, will involve the use of nicotine replacement therapy, or NRT. Special chewing gum or patches are prescribed to alleviate the cravings caused by heavy smoking through the controlled release of nicotine into the bloodstream via the skin.

According to the UK lobby group Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), smoking causes around 30 per cent of all cancer deaths, including up to 80 per cent of lung cancer deaths, 17 per cent of all heart disease-related deaths, and at least 80 per cent of deaths from bronchitis and emphysema.

The impact of passive smoking is also being seen in a new, disturbing light. Research by scientists at St. George's Hospital Medical School in London indicates that people exposed to high levels of passive smoking have a 50 per cent higher risk of heart disease than those with no or low exposure.

Commenting on the recent renovation of the ADNH Compass and Sunshine Tours offices, Peter Cardnell, Director General of ADNH, said: "Both companies have experienced significant growth over the last two years, and the office refurbishment covers the existing needs for a stimulating and modern work environment while being able to accommodate future growth.

"ADNH will continue to invest in its properties and infrastructure, and the extensive renovation of the Hilton Abu Dhabi property is making good progress."